About me

I am a technologist with a passion for Linux and network technologies.

Experienced systems, network and security engineer with experience in a variety of network platforms is seeking to contribute skills within a security engineer role. Outstanding performer who exceeds expectations; works well independently and in a group setting; team player with strong leadership skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Provides great customer service and strong problem-solving skills; interacts well with non-technical individuals. Areas of knowledge include: design, installation, configuration, operation and troubleshooting of Linux, Cisco, Checkpoint, VMware, Windows and Zscaler environments; implementation and verification of network services; identification and mitigation of security threats.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Hardware: x86 servers • Cisco(Nexus/Catalyst/ASA) • SAN/NAS • F5 • Checkpoint
Software: Puppet/Foreman • vSphere • Rancid • Microsoft Office / Visio • Wiki • WordPress
Operating Systems: Linux • ESXi • Cisco NX-OS • Cisco IOS • Meraki • Windows Server • Gaia
Networking: LAN/VLAN • VPC • VDC • Active Directory • Ethernet • TCP/IP • OSPF • DNS • DHCP • NAT • Firewall Policy • Load Balancing
Programming: Puppet • Ansible • Ruby • PowerCLI • Bash • Powershell • VBScript

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Impact Networking, Lake Forest, IL

Network Engineer 2018– Present

Designed new data center network architecture to remove SPoF and provide redundancy for iSCSI SAN
Added secondary internet to all locations to provide redundancy and increase availability of locations
Maintains and supports Cisco Meraki WAN/Wireless environment
Operates 60+ production websites running on VPS servers

Optimas OE Solutions (Anixter Fasteners), Glenview, IL

Network/Systems/Security Engineer 2015– 2018

Uses Ansible to create VIPs, pools, and nodes on F5 LTM
Worked with dev team to implement custom SPNEGO solution to replace proprietary IBM TAM solution
Migrated Linux servers from RHEL to Ubuntu for cost savings and move to a more modern Linux distribution
Troubleshoots issues related to firewall such as HTTPS inspection, identity awareness and IPS
Implements end to end solutions from server provisioning, to software installation, load balancing and firewall policy
Leads new network deployments in field locations from circuit order to device configuration and turn up
Transitioned network operations support from Anixter to third-party network managed services company
Extended Linux provisioning environment to build RHEL 7 servers in 7 minutes
Configures monitoring system for new services and devices; responds to monitoring system alerts
Lead engineer and project manager for migration from T1/E1 AT&T MPLS to 10Mb Level3 MPLS
Designed and implemented data center network using Nexus 7700 series switches with 2300 Series FEX unit
Worked with Anixter team to stand up 2 Data Centers in 6 months and clone old Anixter environment

Anixter, Glenview, IL

Systems Administrator 2011– 2015

Created a Linux provisioning environment using Foreman, Puppet and Satellite to reduce server build time from 2 hours to 30 minutes
Deployed puppet across Linux environment to ensure perfect consistency and eliminate configuration drift
Designed a new consolidated Data Center network using Nexus 7000 series with vPC and 10GbE
Designed new architecture for small UK data center using VMware, 10Gbe, and iSCSI storage
Develops, tests, maintains disaster recovery and business continuity procedures
Identifies and develops scripts for automation of daily/repeatable tasks
Installs application software in a secure and repeatable fashion

LAN Administrator 2008– 2011

Reduced time to resolution by conceiving and implementing a documentation wiki
Key contributor to massive project converting desktops and servers to Anixter platform post-acquisition
Delivers exceptional on-site and remote support: manages installation, configuration, upgrades and ongoing usability of servers, computers, peripherals and software
Troubleshoots a variety of problems; researches and implements best solutions derived from root cause analysis, eliminates on-going problems; educates clients to improve their efficiency
Creates, updates, and closes work orders; mentors/assists team members with problem resolution methodology, technical issues and case/customer service escalations

Hewitt Associates, Lincolnshire, IL 2006 - 2007

Desktop Support Technician (Intern)

Provided exceptional service while providing support for desktops, laptops and peripherals; identified and resolved issues; managed IT inventory and troubleshooting for basic connectivity issues.

Zak Herner